Social media and other internet activities have brought great
excitement and enthusiasm within our daily lives, but at the same time can be a
great danger to us in the future if we do not use them wisely. Internet is
there for numerous purposes; research, work, communication, entertainment etc.
The way we use it should be a major concern to ourselves, whether we use it
positively or negatively.
Every internet user leaves
what is called a digital footprint as he/she browses the internet. This is
basically a trail left by interactions in digital systems; mobile phones, the
internet and even television. Digital footprints give data of what has been
performed or where you have been in the digital world. The minute you apply any
information on the internet, you essentially leave a bit of information about yourself,
which is your digital footprint. Just like we walk on a sandy beach, we leave
footprints on the sand showing that someone with either a big or small foot
passed by.
A digital footprint is not factually your identity like a national
identification card (I.D) or passport. It is like leaving a mark like a
footstep; it is information reflecting your preferences and habits depending on
the type of information you input on the internet. There are both good and bad
footprints. The internet can store a lot of information about an individual for
many years, so before you write, tweet, comment, share information or upload
pictures on the internet, think critically before you do it. One negative
comment or picture of yours can be used against you in the future if it ends up
in the wrong hands.
For instance, you might graduate from Law school and apply
for a job at a particular Law firm. That company then realizes that you
actually had a negative comment or article about them years back, resulting in
your job application being denied or even being blacklisted. These days,
companies and universities use search engines to check about you so they get
more information on what you do or have done in the past. If you have positive digital
footprints; that would definitely be an advantage for you but if the footprints
are bad you might kiss good bye to a good opportunity.
There is no more privacy to one’s personal life nowadays
depending on how often a person uses the internet or other digital systems, and
how one applies information on it. Because of network sites, it is easy to find
out about an internet user’s personal life. One good example is Facebook. On
your Facebook page people may know about your location and give them the
attention to what you are currently doing, have done, or going to be doing with
specific timing of those events. It is
not a bad idea for people knowing about your personal details, but posting
negative information and someone using it against you can create problems for
you in future.
For an example, tweeting or posting pictures of yourself drunk
or half-naked thinking it is cool; these pictures can be used against you because
you will be showing your reckless habits and bad life style.
If you comment or like a picture, status or retweet something,
a friend’s friend can also see what you like and dislike. That information
about you can be passed on without you knowing or can even be published in a
local newspaper or leaked to some gossip websites and go viral. Yes you can
have the rights to the information you put up on the internet but this still
does not stop people using your information. If someone uses your information
falsely or without your permission, you could probably sue them but that is not
an easy undertaking. What I am getting at is that, yes post whatever you want
but be descent.
The best advice is, having good and positive digital
footprints. When making comments about anything whether it is a good or
unscrupulous status, try to be polite and post decent materials on the
internet. Make sure you always log off websites and delete the history; the
websites may keep your passwords resulting in someone hacking your accounts and
creating a negative image of you. Or use private browsing which allows you to
browse without your destination being recorded. But what your posts still
remain on the internet.
When people behave badly on the internet the police can now
track down to whoever is involved in misconduct. When you log on to the
internet your computer receives an IP (Internet Protocol) address which can be
used to track down who was using that computer at a particular time.
Make sure you always have positive digital footprints.
Inappropriate information can cost you badly in your future. Think about it.
